Tampa Republic

On September 11, 2024, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL), U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) introduced the Renewed Hope Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill aims to enhance the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s capabilities to identify, rescue, and protect victims of online child sexual exploitation while bringing perpetrators to justice.

"The internet platforms we use every day are being used to disseminate and collect child sex abuse material (CSAM)," said Rep. Lee. "CSAM and the exploitation of children are increasing at alarming rates, and Congress must ensure the men and women fighting back against these crimes have the tools and resources they need. The Renewed Hope Act will provide much-needed resources in the fight against online child exploitation and help protect our nation's children."

Senator Cornyn emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue: "Tens of thousands of children are being exploited by vicious predators who steal their innocence and post abusive imagery of them online, often leaving scars that last long after a picture or video is deleted. This bipartisan legislation would better protect and identify these children, rescue survivors, and stop the heinous crime of online child sexual abuse."

Senator Blumenthal highlighted his personal encounters with affected families: "Over the last several decades, I have met parents and loved ones whose children’s lives have been decimated, and sometimes lost because of the scourge of child sexual abuse material online. The internet can be a great force for good, but we’ve seen again how it can be malignly exploited. These images of children – the exploitation of children – is absolutely unacceptable."

Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz echoed similar sentiments: "Our children deserve to be protected from digital predators who seek to harm them. We must expand our efforts to identify and support victims of this online abuse. As reports rise, I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation that will increase our capacity to find these innocent lives."

Tim Tebow also expressed his support: "For too long, hundreds of thousands of girls and boys have endured horrific abuse — often at the hands of adults who are supposed to protect them. Their pain must stir us to act... I'm deeply grateful to our leaders for shining a light on this bipartisan issue so that we can build a stronger rescue team."

The background information indicates that in 2015 Congress passed the Human Exploitation Rescue Operations (HERO) Act which established key units within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The Renewed Hope Act aims to increase HSI resources for hiring computer forensic analysts, clarify investigative roles within DHS, and improve training for personnel involved in victim identification.

The legislation has garnered endorsements from various organizations including the Tim Tebow Foundation, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, ChildFund International, Child Rescue Coalition among others.

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